Aliens will be found by 2075, top scientist says

A leading British space scientist says she is absolutely convinced aliens exist and will be found within the next 50 years. Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock, from University College London's Department of Physics and Astronomy, told the Daily Mail she expects a positive detection of life on another planet by 2075, noting that while it could be primitive, it might also involve technology far superior to ours.

She pointed to the scale of the universe. She noted that in the whole of the universe there are approximately 200 billion galaxies, and with so many stars and planets, why would life arise only here? She said she is convinced life exists elsewhere because of the numbers involved. Ahead of her Royal Institution Christmas Lectures, which will air later this month, she added that the search has moved from theoretical conjecture to observable clues in recent years.

We are already getting tantalising glimpses of possible life on planets beyond the solar system. The best-known example cited by scientists is exoplanet K2-18b, about 124 light-years from Earth. Earlier this year, researchers detected molecules in K2-18b's atmosphere that can persist only if life exists, a finding hailed as the most promising sign of life yet outside our solar system. Observations suggest the world may be ocean-covered and teeming with life.

Dame Maggie said the search is far from finished, but she believes a positive detection is within reach. When asked if solid proof will come soon, she said the challenge lies in obtaining concrete evidence, but she would bet on a positive detection within the next 50 years.

The search for extraterrestrial life is informed by a growing body of planetary science. In September, NASA announced findings from the Perseverance rover that scientists described as the clearest signals yet of life-related processes in Martian rocks—mineral signatures observed in mudstones within what was once a riverbed. While scientists caution that such signals require confirmation, they note the discoveries help frame what researchers should look for on Earth and Mars alike.

Dame Maggie also discussed the nature of life we might encounter. She indicated that grey sludge could be the most likely simple form, though she acknowledged a chance of more sophisticated life capable of evolution and perhaps even communication, whose technology might be far beyond human capabilities. She added that the notion of intelligent extraterrestrial civilizations remains a possibility, a reminder that contact could redefine humanity’s place in the cosmos.

If life is found, she stressed that researchers must proceed with extreme caution to avoid contamination. Any encountering life would need to be kept totally isolated from human activity as scientists work to understand its biology, chemistry and potential implications for Earth. Even if the life is microscopic—as some researchers expect—containment remains essential to prevent cross-contamination.

Looking further ahead, Aderin-Pocock envisions humanity becoming a space-faring species, potentially with settlements beyond Earth. She argued that space exploration could serve as a unifying mission, transcending borders, and expressed excitement about the prospect of a future in which humanity grows outward rather than remaining Earth-bound. Space, she said, could become a means to unite the planet through shared purpose.

The 2025 Royal Institution Christmas Lectures, Is there life beyond Earth?, will be broadcast on BBC Four and iPlayer on December 28, 29 and 30 at 7 p.m. local time, continuing Britain’s public science education tradition for new generations of explorers.